So I went down to Brazil today and recorded this tune. :-)

The recent video that was posted of Gary playing this inspired me to work on it again. Gary's version is probably for me the greatest example of solo vibe playing ever recorded. Working on this tune only strengthens that opinion for me.

We'll see about the solo section, I've been messing around with it. It's pretty tricky. But I thought for fun I'd post this much of what I've been working on.

I figure if you're gonna learn you might as well learn from the masters and pick up what you can!!!

Hey guys, thought i would offer another tune for vibesworkshop! hope you enjoy!

www.mikepinto.net

Here's a solo I did with my improv class. I'll post it with bass, but I thought first for fun, that I'd put it up with no accompaniment and see if you guys can guess what tune it is that the solo is over.

Then we can work on the tune.

sorry for posting again but today i gave it one more try and i made this version which i liked much more...also the video quality is better...so i hope you don´t mind given me a second chance :)
this is the last version promised....

Just some thoughts on playing ballads.

I started working on a solo version of "Spring is Here". I am finding it very difficult. I can't think of much to make it sound interesting or good. Any ideas?

I am arpeggiating with mallet 1 2 3 and melody in 4. I am also using drop 2 voicings on the ascending lines. Nothing cohesive yet. Just working on ideas.

It's originally a ballad. What do you think of making it a Bossa Nova or other style?

I made a quick video for mario's Wednesday night hang. Check it out.